Project Purple is asking you to ‘Take the Pledge to End Pancreatic Cancer’! The five-year survival rate for pancreatic cancer has slowly inched its way up to 9%. It is thrilling to make progress in the battle against this deadly disease, but we know we need to do much more to save lives. We are asking you to join Project Purple as we ‘Take the Pledge to End Pancreatic Cancer’. We need every one of our supporters to donate to our exciting new fundraising campaign. Every penny we collect from this campaign is going to fund research for an early detection test for pancreatic cancer.
Why We Need Early Detection NOW
We need a test to help us find early stage pancreatic cancer. The best chances of surviving pancreatic cancer come when the entire tumor is surgically removed while it is still small and confined to the pancreas. Unfortunately, pancreatic cancer often does not present symptomatically until the cancer has spread throughout the body. Once it has spread, there is little doctors can do other than offer palliative chemotherapy.
Currently, the only way to find a pancreatic tumor is through expensive testing, such as CT scans, MRIs and/or endoscopic ultrasounds. Insurance companies often balk at paying for these tests without a clear reason to cover them. Furthermore, doctors often will not order these tests unless they truly believe the benefits outweigh the risks. Therefore, it is absolutely imperative for scientists to develop a less expensive, less invasive way to find pancreatic cancer at its earliest stages. The longer we go without having a test for early detection, the more lives are lost to this disease.
Symptoms of Pancreatic Cancer
Pancreatic cancer often does not cause symptoms until it has spread. However, here are a few of the signs and symptoms of pancreatic cancer:
Jaundice: If a tumor is blocking the bile duct, the skin and whites of the eyes may turn yellow. Sometimes skin may also become itchy. Urine may also be darker in color than normal.
Digestive problems, including indigestion, nausea and diarrhea. If the tumor is pressing on the stomach, it can make eating difficult.
Pain in the abdomen and/or back due to tumors
Sudden weight loss
Diabetes: pancreatic cancer occurs more frequently in people who have had long-standing diabetes. In addition, anyone over the age of 50 with sudden-onset diabetes should check with a medical professional.
Blood Clots
Anyone who is experiencing the above symptoms should check with their physician. While many of these symptoms can arise from other conditions, it is always better to play it safe. The early pancreatic cancer is discovered, the better your chances of long-term survival.
Take the Pledge to End Pancreatic Cancer Today!
All of the funds raised in this campaign will go towards scientific research for early detection for pancreatic cancer. We have an exciting offer for those who donate in the next 72 hours: If you give $100 or more, or if you commit to giving $19/month, you will receive a customized Project Purple S’well water bottle. These water bottles retail for $35 and are so popular the company has not been able to keep up with buyer demand. Don’t wait! Take the Pledge to End Pancreatic Cancer today. Make your donation now before we run out of these fantastic Project Purple S’well water bottles.
To honor a loved one battling pancreatic cancer while helping us find an early detection test, Take the Pledge to End PC today! Please SHARE this campaign with friends and family!
Take the Pledge to End Pancreatic Cancer Here!
